You sure you didn’t leave?!!
800 Words
The grand gates of the Moretti estate swung open as Valentina’s car sped up the long driveway. The moment the vehicle stopped, Valentina flung the door open and rushed inside the mansion, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor.
She had barely stepped into the main hallway when she spotted Elisa on her knees, wearing a plain maid’s uniform, scrubbing the floor with a brush. Water and soap suds spread across the tiles.
Valentina marched straight to her and yanked her up by the arm.
“Elisa!” she yelled. “Are you sure you didn’t leave this house today?”
Elisa’s eyes widened in fear. Before she could answer, Caterina Moretti walked out from the sitting room, her elegant silk robe trailing behind her.
“What’s going on?” Caterina asked, voice sharp. “Why are you shouting, Valentina?”
Valentina turned to her mother, still gripping Elisa’s arm.
“Mom, are you sure Elisa didn’t leave this house today? Tell me the truth.”
Caterina sighed and walked closer.
“No, dear. She has been here all day. Why? What happened?”
Valentina released Elisa and dropped onto the nearest sofa, breathing hard.
“You won’t believe what just happened. I went to that barbecue place with my friends—the one they always drag me to. And there she was, serving tables like some common waitress. I thought it was Elisa. I called her Elisa, accused her of disgracing the family, and she looked exactly like her. Same face, same height, everything. I even called Dad to check if she had left the house. He said she was right here.”
Caterina stared at her daughter in disbelief for a long moment, then shook her head quickly.
“Sit down properly, Valentina. Breathe.” She guided her daughter to sit straighter. “Two people can look identical even when they are not related. It happens. You were probably just tired or the lighting was bad. Don’t let it upset you.”
Valentina sighed and rubbed her temples.
“That’s fine, then. I guess I overreacted.”
She turned toward Elisa, who had quietly gone back to her knees and resumed scrubbing the floor.
“You’re so lazy!” Valentina snapped. “Go get me a glass of water right now!”
Elisa scrambled to her feet at once.
“Yes, miss,” she whispered, and hurried off toward the kitchen.
Valentina watched her go, then looked back at her mother.
“Where’s Dad?”
Caterina smiled calmly.
“He went out for a meeting. He should be back soon.”
A moment later Elisa returned, carrying a tray with a glass of chilled water. She handed it to Valentina with trembling hands.
Valentina took the glass but didn’t drink.
“Did you wash the clothes I asked you to wash this morning?” she demanded.
Elisa paused, eyes lowering.
“I… I was about to start after I finished the floor—”
Caterina stood up abruptly, cutting her off.
“Of course she didn’t,” she said coldly. “She’s so lazy she can’t even do one simple thing right.”
Valentina’s face flushed with anger. She shot up from the sofa, grabbed a fistful of Elisa’s hair, and yanked hard.
“I told you times without number that I hate it when you slack off!” Valentina shouted. “You’re my sister, but I hate your lazy ass!”
Elisa winced, tears filling her eyes.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered, voice breaking. “I’m so sorry, Valentina. I’ll do it right now. Please…”
Caterina stepped closer, her voice dripping with contempt.
“Yesterday we spent so much money on your eighteenth birthday party, and do you know how you ruined it? You couldn’t even look decent out there. You made the entire family a mockery in front of our guests. Standing there like a servant while everyone stared.”
Elisa’s tears spilled over.
“But you never got me any decent outfits to wear to parties—”
The heavy slap landed across Elisa’s face before she could finish. Caterina’s hand left a red mark on her cheek.
“Shut up!” Caterina hissed. “How dare you talk back to me?”
Just then the front door opened. Giorgio Moretti stepped inside, removing his coat.
Valentina instantly let go of Elisa’s hair and rushed to her father, throwing her arms around him.
“Daddy!” she cried, voice sweet again. “You’re back.”
Giorgio patted her back, eyes narrowing as he looked over her shoulder at Elisa, who was still on the floor, holding her stinging cheek.
“What is going on here?” he asked calmly, though his tone carried clear warning. “Why is my daughter crying?”
- Writer
